Zheruyyq Park

Among the bustling neighborhoods that grace the city of Astana lies a true green oasis — Zheruyyk Park. It is one of the capital's largest park areas, covering more than 21 hectares. The name of the park translates from Kazakh as "promised land," which perfectly reflects its atmosphere: here, amidst the steppe climate, a dense woodland has been created with over 10,000 trees and shrubs planted.

Zheruyyq Park. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

This place in Kazakhstan has become a symbol of the striving for harmony and a comfortable urban environment. Located in the Almaty district, the park was envisioned as a space where nature meets an active lifestyle. Today, it is a favorite spot for locals for walking, sports, and family vacations under the shade of birches, pines, and poplars.

The uniqueness of this site lies in its multifunctionality. There is none of the grandiosity of the government quarters; instead, you'll find cozy alleys, modern sports grounds, and significant historical memorials. For a tourist, Zheruyyk Park is an excellent opportunity to see how the modern capital lives off the beaten path and to enjoy fresh air in the heart of the metropolis.

To plan your visit and for navigation, tourists will find the official coordinates of this popular holiday spot useful.

This place offers many leisure options throughout the year. In summer, the main activity is walking along the endless shady alleys. Fans of active recreation will appreciate the long paths, perfect for cycling, rollerblading, or scootering. For those staying in shape, there are modern workout areas shaded by thick foliage.

Families with children will find spacious play areas with safe flooring where little ones can spend time outdoors. During the warm season, cozy kiosks operate on the park grounds selling ice cream, soft drinks, or light snacks, while the edges of the park area feature cafes with summer terraces.

The winter season transforms the park into a center for seasonal fun. A massive ice town is built here, complete with a skating rink and high slides. Visitors can rent skates or snow tubes ("plyushki") for family fun. Regardless of the season, the park remains a wonderful venue for photoshoots and peaceful nature observation.

Getting to this green corner is easy, as it is located in the busy Almaty district. The park is bordered by Abylai Khan and Mailin streets, as well as B. Momyshuly and M. Zhumabayev avenues. Entrances to the park area are provided on all sides, making it accessible from different parts of the district.

For those who prefer public transport, many bus routes run nearby. Stops are located directly on Momyshuly Avenue and Zhumabayev Street. If you are coming from the city center, a taxi ride will take about 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.

Travelers arriving by private car should note that parking spaces are provided along the perimeter of the park zone, although they can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays. A walk to the entrance is also convenient for those staying in nearby residential complexes and hotels.

The history of this place began at a turning point for the country — in the spring of 1998. That was when the foundation for this future large-scale park was laid in the new capital of Kazakhstan. Interestingly, the first tree saplings were personally planted by Nursultan Nazarbayev, and employees of state departments actively supported the initiative by holding regular community clean-up events here.

Zheruyyk Park officially opened its doors to the public in 2008. This event was timed to coincide with a landmark date — the 10th anniversary of the capital's international presentation. Over the years, the territory has transformed from a young square into a full-fledged woodland within the metropolis, where its own ecosystem has formed.

The park gained special historical and emotional significance in 2015. A monument to Ivan Panfilov was erected in its northern part. Nearby are memorial plaques inscribed with the names of the 28 Panfilov heroes. This turned the park into more than just a recreation area; it became an important place of remembrance where people come to pay their respects to the defenders.

The name "Zheruyyk" refers to ancient legends about the search for the "promised land" — a place where peace, prosperity, and abundance reign. Today, this concept is embodied in a thoughtful landscape that combines nature and the modern urban environment.

To fully enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and walk through all the alleys, guests typically need 1.5 to 3 hours. This is the optimal time to walk the perimeter, see the monuments, and relax under the shade of the trees.

If you are planning a visit with children or want to have a small picnic on the grass, your visit might extend to half a day. In the winter period, when the slides and skating rink are open, you can easily spend the whole evening here, enjoying winter activities and warming up with hot drinks.

According to official data, the park's infrastructure is available to visitors daily. The standard operating hours for the main facilities and services are as follows:

• Monday — Sunday: 10:00 – 00:00

It is worth noting that the park itself, as a green zone, is open for walks 24/7. However, sports equipment rentals, attractions, street food stalls, and cafes operate primarily during the specified hours and may change their schedule depending on weather conditions and the season.

A walk through the park can be just one part of your travel itinerary. The surroundings of the Almaty district offer many interesting locations, from cultural monuments to modern entertainment centers, to help diversify your day.